Word origin of 'summons'

summons for learners of EnglishPowered by COBUILD (sʌmənz)

Definitions

A summons is an order to come and see someone. ⇒ I received a summons to the Palace from Sir Robert Fellowes, the Queen's private secretary.

2. countable noun

A summons is an official order to appear in court. ⇒ She had received a summons to appear in court.

3. verb [usu passive]

If someone is summonsed, they are officially ordered to appear in court. [beV-ed] ⇒ The men were summonsed and last week 30 appeared before Hove magistrates. [beV-ed to-inf] ⇒ She has been summonsed to appear at St Albans magistrates' court.

Example sentences containing 'summons'

If I was uneasy about Nicola my awareness would be a requiem not a summons to her side.Conybeare, Stephanie A DEATH IN THE FAMILYHis voice was weak, and the effect his summons had on her was inconsequential.Clive Barker COLDHEART CANYONI mustsay, MrsOakley treats a summons to the executive area like an invitation to Ascot.Anita Anderson SOMEBODYIn the absence of any summons from the royesse, he made his way back to his bed.Lois McMaster Bujold THE CURSE OF CHALION